This Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is exactly what you need on a cool day to warm you from the inside out. Filled with juicy chicken and tender noodles, this easy chicken noodle only takes about 30 minutes to make.

P.S. Our secret to seasoning the soup at the end is worth discovering.

Chicken Noodle Soup in a stock pot ready to serve in just 30 minutes

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Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest. You’ll love the easy prep with this classic chicken noodle soup. There’s no need to trim the chicken ahead of time since the fat comes off easily after it’s boiled.

Chicken Noodle Soup Video Tutorial

This simple Chicken Noodle Soup is nutritious, hearty, and makes the perfect dish for busy families. My sister Anna came up with this recipe and first introduced me to it when she sent me a pot of soup after our first child was born over 10 years ago. We’ve been making it ever since and even made a Creamy Chicken Soup version!

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

This Chicken Noodle Soup calls for traditional ingredients and a slight twist on the seasonings.

  • Chicken: The secret to super tender chicken without crazy long cooking times is using chicken thighs! You can use boneless or bone-in chicken. Thighs also provide extra flavor and don’t dry out like chicken breast does.
  • Broth: Our Homemade Chicken Broth is a delicious addition to this soup and provides a rich flavor. However, if you are in a pinch a low-sodium store-bought broth can work.
  • Vegetables: Onions and celery sauteed together provide the traditional base for chicken noodle soup flavor. Diced carrots are another traditional vegetable. You can also add any other fresh or frozen veggies you would like.
  • Seasonings: Dill and freshly-pressed garlic brighten the flavor palette and I love adding Mrs. Dash (no-salt seasoning).

Close-up of plump noodles, flavorful carrots, and moist shredded chicken in Chicken Noodle Soup

Pro Tip: When sauteing ingredients for soups, use oil in the pan instead of butter. Butter will solidify when you refrigerate the soup.

The Best Noodles for Soup

I love using nice spiral noodles or egg noodles in my chicken noodle soup. These noodles plump up nicely and make the soup feel really hearty compared to other noodle varieties. Make sure you don’t overcook your noodles, especially if storing the soup or they will get mushy.

For Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is so simple and easy to modify for different food intolerances. To make it gluten-free, just sub your favorite gluten-free noodles.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup ready to serve with dill and freshly pressed garlic

The Benefits of Homemade Broth

Homemade Chicken Broth adds rich flavor to any soup or recipe that calls for chicken stock or broth. According to Medical News Today (2023), bone broth is highly nutritious and may help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

When you cook the homemade broth in an instant pot – you can have it ready in about 2 hours. It also makes all the difference in how good your soup tastes.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup with plump tender noodles and juicy shredded chicken thighs

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy chicken soup takes about 30 minutes to make. The SECRET to amping up the flavor happens in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Adding dill and a pressed clove of garlic is what my Mother does for nearly all of her soups and I have adopted this in my own kitchen. It is a brilliant and easy way to make your chicken soup taste fantastic!

  1. Cook the Chicken: In a large soup pot, combine water, Chicken Broth, and salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and cook uncovered 20 minutes.
  2. Saute Veggies: In a large skillet saute onion and celery in oil until golden then add to the soup pot
  3. Add Noodles and Veggies: Add 1/2 lb pasta and sliced carrots to the pot and cook 15 min at a low boil.
  4. Shred Chicken: As the pasta cooks, remove thighs from the pot and shred with forks (discarding bones and fat), then add the chicken back to the pot.
  5. Season: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add Mrs. Dash, dill, and press in 1 garlic clove, and add salt to taste. Simmer another minute then turn off the heat.

Picture collage of making Chicken Noodle Soup: creating the broth, adding the juicy chicken thighs, sauteing celery and onions, adding sliced carrots and noodles

Storing Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup

We love making a big pot of chicken soup and enjoying it throughout the week. Keep in mind, if the soup is stored too long, the noodles will turn mushy. If storing longer than 1-2 days, it’s best to store the soup and the noodles separately and recombine right before serving.

  • Refrigerated: Cool the soup completely and store covered in the refrigerator. Once noodles are in, the soup should be enjoyed within 2 days. The soup will keep up to a week if you store the noodles separately and combine when reheated.
  • To Freeze: If you plan to freeze the soup, wait to add the noodles when you reheat the soup. Chicken soup can be frozen up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Recombine noodles and soup in a pot or microwave-safe bowl and heat to the desired temperature on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using uncooked noodles, reheat on the stove until the mixture boils and noodles are tender.

Delicious chicken noodle soup with homemade broth and crackers

More Delicious Soup Recipes:

We love soups, for the ease in preparation and their fun variety. Be sure to give some of our other popular soups a try. P.S. If you love chicken soup, our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is a must-try!

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

4.97 from 400 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Chicken Noodle Soup in a blue pot
This easy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is exactly what you imagine when you think of homemade chicken noodle soup - soothing, warming, comforting and rich in flavor. It is loaded with juicy chicken and tender noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 people
  • 4 chicken thighs, skins removed (bone-in or boneless)
  • 8 cups chicken broth, we used low sodium
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, to saute vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rings
  • 6 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash, or your favorite salt-free seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp sea salt, or to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, combine 6 cups water with 8 cups chicken broth and 1 Tbsp sea salt. Bring to a boil then add chicken thighs and boil partially covered 20 min while you prep the vegetables, skimming off any foam that rises to the top. 
  • In a large skillet over medium/high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil and sauté onion and celery until softened then transfer to the pot.
  • Add pasta and sliced carrots to the soup pot and continue cooking for 15 min at a low boil or until pasta is at the desired softness.
  • While pasta is cooking, remove chicken thighs from the pot and use either forks or your hands to shred the chicken, discarding any bones and fat which should come off easily. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Season soup with 1 tsp Mrs. Dash (or your favorite seasoning) and more salt to taste if needed. Press in 1 garlic clove. Finally, add 3 Tbsp dill and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Nutrition Per Serving

249kcal Calories22g Carbs14g Protein12g Fat3g Saturated Fat44mg Cholesterol807mg Sodium367mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar2091IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C35mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
249
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
807
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
367
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
2091
IU
42
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
35
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken noodle soup, chicken soup
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 249
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.97 from 400 votes (199 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Michelle
    March 18, 2018

    Can this be done in a slow cooker? Would it be good if made in the morning and reheated for dinner?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 19, 2018

      Hi Michelle, I haven’t tried it in a slow cooker so I can’t offer specific advice on cook time in a crock pot but I think it would work. I would still sauté on a pan (step 2) and then add sautéed ingredients to the crock pot.

      Reply

      • Patricia
        December 11, 2018

        I made this soup in my slow cooker and the noodles absorbed all liquid and went gluggy, looked like a gluey mess but still tasted yummy. What can I do to rectify this.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          December 11, 2018

          Hi Patricia, it is difficult to get pasta right in a slow cooker since lengthy cooking will cause that problem. You might add them later in the cooking process and then cook until desired doneness.

          Reply

  • Wendy
    February 21, 2018

    Hi Natasha! I’m planning on making this delicious looking dish tonight, but I’m a little confused about how you make the broth. Do you use chicken broth from a carton, do you make it with the “Better Than Boullion” or do you use both. Can you clarify, please?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 21, 2018

      Hi Wendy, we used to make the broth out of the Better Than Bouillon (B.T.B) all the time (which is why it’s in the ingredients photo), but after finding out that yeast extract has hidden msg (an ingredient in B.T.B.), we went to making homemade broth which is way tastier and healthier. You can use B.T.B. or carton broth or homemade.

      Reply

  • Sulamita Siok
    February 20, 2018

    This soup turned out so delicious! Do you think you could do a Chicken Pot Pie recipe sometime? 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 21, 2018

      Hi Sulamita, that is a great suggestion and I have added it to my idea list 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply

  • Melissa Reyes
    February 1, 2018

    Natasha I must say I did not know this was your recipe! I’ve seen your videos on Facebook which I have made a couple but I had no clue you were the woman behind this deliciousness! I have tried other chicken noodles and they do not compare to this one!! It is most definitely a family favorite. I have opt’d out the dill every time but seeing how many comments have said it turned out great with, I will try today. Thank you, such a delicious soup!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 1, 2018

      You’re welcome Melissa! I’m glad to hear how much you and your family enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sue
    January 27, 2018

    I love this soup recipe! I didn’t think I’d like the dill, but I found I wouldn’t want any chicken soup without it! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 27, 2018

      You’re welcome Sue! I’m glad you love the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Alisha Dokshukin
    January 21, 2018

    I just have to thank you. I try to make a different recipe of yours that I’ve never tried before every to every other week. My family has loved EVERY SINGLE ONE. Especially the Plov-ish one, Chicken and Rice. My 9 year old said tonight after making this Chicken Noodle soup that I was “the best cook ever!” I give you the credit! This soup was absolutely delicious. Sometimes the simplest and fewest ingredients make the tastiest dishes. Thank you for all that you do!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 22, 2018

      My pleasure Alisha! I’m so glad to hear how much you and your family are enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Eleni
    January 16, 2018

    Love it. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 17, 2018

      You’re welcome Eleni! I’m glad to hear you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    January 9, 2018

    Excellent flavor, I would not have thought of using dill but it was really nice.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 9, 2018

      I’m glad you love the recipe Cheryl! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Faye
    January 3, 2018

    This turned out absolutely amazing! My new favourite soup.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 3, 2018

      I’m happy to hear that Faye! Thanks for sharing your review!

      Reply

  • Tami
    December 7, 2017

    Can you use chicken breast too?? If so..how?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 7, 2017

      Hi Tami, chicken breast isn’t quite as tender as chicken thighs. If you can get your hands on chicken tenders that would work better but you can make chicken breast work. With chicken breast, it would be better to cook longer (30 minutes or more)

      Reply

  • Chinoz
    December 2, 2017

    No need to go to Panera for chicken noodle ! ,This soup was amazing .I didn’t have dill so l used dried parsley instead .

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 3, 2017

      Chinoz, thank you for the nice review and you are very welcome 😬

      Reply

  • Joaquin
    November 30, 2017

    Just made the soup, so easy and sooo good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 30, 2017

      I’m glad you like it! Thanks for sharing Joaquin!

      Reply

  • J. R. F.
    October 15, 2017

    I made this for my two kids who are picky about soup. They both loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 15, 2017

      Yes!! I’m glad to hear this recipe is “picky eater” approved! Thanks for sharing your great review! 🙂

      Reply

  • K. Torres
    September 27, 2017

    Just made this for the 1st time and I’m in love! Was a little leery of the dill because I’m not much of a cook and couldn’t understand the whole dill thing but I like it.
    I LOVE your recipes! They are scrumptious and so easy. THANK YOU!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 27, 2017

      You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear how much you are enjoying the recipes! Thanks for following and sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

  • Emily
    September 27, 2017

    I absolutely love this recipe! Ive made it several times. Its my go to soup recipe when anyone in my family is sick.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 27, 2017

      I’m so glad to hear that Emily! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Feriha
    September 21, 2017

    Wahts the safe internal temperature?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 21, 2017

      HI Feriha, I’m not sure what you are referring to – boiling the chicken thighs and keeping them at a boil for the amount of time stated in the recipe will definitely give you a safe internal temperature, but in general it is 165˚F for chicken.

      Reply

  • Jennifer
    September 13, 2017

    Hi! So I’ve made this recipe like 3 or 4 times and I figured I should let you know I love it. I usually did not add the full because I didn’t have any handy when I was cooking this, but today I did and it changes the flavour SO MUCH. I love this recipe and I thank you for sharing it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 14, 2017

      You’re welcome Jennifer! I’m glad to hear how much you enjoy the recipe! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

  • Victoria
    July 10, 2017

    Hi Natasha! I have a question! If I were using better than boullion, how much tablespoons would I put for 5 cups water? I made it and it was super flavorless at the end and had to add a bunch more salt and boullion. But I did make it to taste good, just for next time so I would know the proportion. That would be great, thank you:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 10, 2017

      Hi Victoria, it depends on the product you are using. Most of them will have proportions on the package. The “better than bouillon” paste that I used here requires 1 tsp per cup of water to make 1 cup of chicken broth.

      Reply

  • Lana
    June 13, 2017

    Hi can you post a good recipe for Росіл ( Ukrainian chicken soup) Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 13, 2017

      I’ll see what I can find out on that. I didn’t realize there was a specific “Ukrainian Chicken Soup.” If I come up with something great, I will be sure to share it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Yolanda
    May 27, 2017

    This soup is so easy to make and tastes delicious!
    Made it for family night and everyone loved it!
    I know I can never go wrong with any of your recipes, my family loves them.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 27, 2017

      I’m so happy to hear that Yolanda! Thanks for the compliment and for following! 😀

      Reply

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